This Minnesota House of Representatives bill (H.F. No. 1325) proposes modifications to the state's earned sick and safe time (ESST) laws. Key amendments include:

1. Penalty Waiver: No monetary penalties for initial violations of ESST requirements will be imposed until after January 1, 2026.

2. Payment Adjustments:

   • Small employers (25 or fewer employees) may provide ESST at half the employee’s hourly rate.
   • New businesses (within their first 12 months of operation) are not required to provide paid ESST.

3. Employee Definition Updates:

   • Clarifies that independent contractors, certain emergency service personnel, short-term agricultural workers, minors under 18, and other specified categories are exempt from ESST eligibility.

4. Family Member Definition Expansion:

   • Adds more family relationships, including parents-in-law, siblings-in-law, and others with a close, family-equivalent relationship.

5. Accrual Rate Change:

   • Changes the accrual rate to one hour of ESST for every 40 hours worked (previously 30 hours).
   • Caps maximum ESST accrual at 48 hours per year, with a carryover cap of 80 hours unless the employer offers more.

6. Notice and Documentation Requirements:

   • Requires employers to maintain a written policy for employee notice and documentation related to ESST use.
   • Allows self-written statements by employees as acceptable documentation in certain cases.
   • Employers must provide written notice about ESST policies to employees.

7. Employer Posting Requirements:

   • Employers must provide information on ESST rights in both English and an employee’s primary language.
   • The Department of Labor and Industry will provide a uniform notice template in multiple languages.

These changes aim to clarify employee rights, reduce burdens on small businesses, and ensure better employer compliance with ESST regulations.